Uniform deposition of diamond-like carbon films on polymeric materials for biomedical applications

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) films are interesting in biomedical application for the improvement of the histocompatibility, blood compatibility and durability of diaphragms in artificial hearts. In order to achieve uniform deposition of DLC films on hemispherical polymer diaphragms used in artificial hearts to prevent inter-diffusion of driving fluid (silicone oil) and blood, coating has been performed by chemical vapor deposition using improved electrodes. The chemical and physical properties of the produced films as well as their durability have been investigated with infrared spectroscopy and electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis before and after the driving operation of the diaphragm. The uniformity of the films has been compared with DLC films obtained with conventional electrodes showing that the uniformity could be improved, thus obtaining DLC films with good durability and excellent adhesion properties as required for biomedical application. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.